For a number of years a group called Classic Aircraft Projects operated the only privately owned Elglish Electric Canberra (G-BVWC, WK163). The last photo of it flying in the data base is dated 2007. I did a quick google search, but could find no evidence that is is still operable. Has it followed the Vulcan an the B-17 (F-AZDX) into early retirment like most large European warbirds seam to do?

Also, I heard a rumor that NASA might be modifying a third B-57. Does anyone know if this is true? How much longer do they plan to operate their current aircraft?

Quote:G-BVWC suffered an engine failure in 2006 and ever since a worldwide search has been underway to find a replacement Rolls-Royce Avon 109 with the correct paperwork to allow a return to airworthiness.

My guess is that the operating costs are a lot less excessive than those of the Vulcan, not in the same league.

The only difference between me and a madman is that I am not mad (Salvador Dali)

As I understand it, NASA currently operate two WB-57s (926 and 928). 926 transited through RAF Mildenhall, here in the UK homeward bound only a couple of weeks ago. Both aircraft have been taking it in turns to support BACN operations in the Middle East. Not sure where, but I've read somwhere in the last couple of weeks that a third (to be 927) is being prepared for flight.

NASA's RB-57 stops by my base every now and then working with some of the big aerospace companies flying test missions. The pilots are usually older gentlemen and are VERY friendly. They let us check out the aircraft, hand out cool patches, and talk about the plane. Right now they said the engines on the aircraft, which I believe are TF-33s scavenged off of KC-135Es, are so powerful, they can only use about 70% thrust for takeoff. He said at full thrust, the minimum control speed is so high they would need to be well airborne before the rudder would have enough authority to counter an engine-out.

Interesting stuff! Typically they are flying around 70,000ft + for their tests too, he said.

There is also a Canberra down here in Oz (VH-ZSQ) which was airworthy and displaying until recently with the Temora Aviation Museum. She is currently undergoing work which I believe will keep her hangar-bound for a year or so before she returns to the skies.

Air Platforms used to operate N30UP (WT327) and N40UP (XH567) out of Lakeport California. They are now registered to High Altitude Mapping Missions, Inc. of Spokane, Washington, but I don't know if they are active.

Quoting MD11Engineer (Reply 10):I´ve seen this thing in Kandahar airbase, Afghanistan, earlier this summer, but I couldn´t take any pictures ( np picturetaking permittend in this military restricted area).

Hi,

I'd guess this is the one you probably saw below, routing back to the US earlier this month through Mildenhall on a bright Sunday lunchtime. Must have been about 50 or more of us waiting for it to arrive...